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Articles by David Ford
Former Boone police chief and longtime pastor Robert Zane Tester has died at 80
The Town of Boone is mourning former Police Chief Robert Zane Tester, who died last week. Tester began as a patrolman with the Boone Police Department in 1969, where officials say he was one of three officers. He served as chief of police from 1986 to 1998 and helped shape the department. Assistant Chief Shane Robbins started with BPD under Tester’s leadership. Robbinsdescribes him as a proactive, down-to-earth lawman.
Isaias causes localized flooding, thousands of power outages in NC
Hurricane Isaias brought heavy rain and high winds to Watauga County over the weekend, with some areas receiving as much as nine inches of rainfall. The downpours began Saturday morning as the storm's southeasterly winds pushed moisture from the Gulf into the western North Carolina mountains. But National Weather Service Blacksburg Meteorologist Amanda Sava says there was no major flooding.
Isaias causes localized flooding, thousands of power outages in NC
Hurricane Isaias brought heavy rain and high winds to Watauga County over the weekend, with some areas receiving as much as nine inches of rainfall. The downpours began Saturday morning as the storm's southeasterly winds pushed moisture from the Gulf into the western North Carolina mountains. But National Weather Service Blacksburg Meteorologist Amanda Sava says there was no major flooding.
Isaias causes localized flooding, thousands of power outages in NC
Hurricane Isaias brought heavy rain and high winds to Watauga County over the weekend, with some areas receiving as much as nine inches of rainfall. The downpours began Saturday morning as the storm's southeasterly winds pushed moisture from the Gulf into the western North Carolina mountains. But National Weather Service Blacksburg Meteorologist Amanda Sava says there was no major flooding.
Isaias causes localized flooding, thousands of power outages in NC
Hurricane Isaias brought heavy rain and high winds to Watauga County over the weekend, with some areas receiving as much as nine inches of rainfall. The downpours began Saturday morning as the storm's southeasterly winds pushed moisture from the Gulf into the western North Carolina mountains. But National Weather Service Blacksburg Meteorologist Amanda Sava says there was no major flooding.
Isaias causes localized flooding, thousands of power outages in NC
Hurricane Isaias brought heavy rain and high winds to Watauga County over the weekend, with some areas receiving as much as nine inches of rainfall. The downpours began Saturday morning as the storm's southeasterly winds pushed moisture from the Gulf into the western North Carolina mountains. But National Weather Service Blacksburg Meteorologist Amanda Sava says there was no major flooding.
Davidson commissioners remain divided on data centers, but will revisit potential moratorium
Five weeks ago, the commissioners were deadlocked with a 3-3 vote on whether to impose a temporary moratorium on data centers. At Monday’s meeting, Commissioner Tripp Kester’s motion to add an agenda item revisiting the issuewas met with applause from some in attendance.
Watauga Public Library hosts 'Remembering Helene through Plays & Poetry'
It’s been two years since Hurricane Helene left its trail of destruction across North Carolina. More than 100 people in western North Carolina lost their lives in the aftermath. Record-breaking rainfall, high winds, and flash floods caused downed trees, widespread power outages, and nearly 2,000 landslides. This weekend in Boone, a program featuring local poets, writers, and performers will recognize and pay tribute to the resilience of High Country residents.
NC Folk Festival 2026 sees record turnout
The North Carolina Folk Festival saw record-breaking attendance this year. More than 160,000 people gathered in Greensboro over the weekend — 30,000 more than the previous record set last year. The free, three-day music festival featured 44 North Carolina-based bands as well as three national acts. Artistic Director Savannah Thorne says this year they leaned into the headliner model more than they have in the past.
Vice President JD Vance rallies for Michael Whatley in Greensboro
Vice President JD Vance was at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro on Monday to rally support for U.S. Senate Candidate Michael Whatley, who is locked in a tight race with former Governor Roy Cooper. An energized crowd of roughly 300 people, many wearing red MAGA baseball caps, was seated in a large ballroom eager to hear the Vice President speak.
First Waughtown Baptist Church celebrates 160 years in Winston-Salem
First Waughtown Baptist Church will commemorate 160 years in Winston-Salem during this weekend’s homecoming celebration. The church's spiritual heritage dates back to the end of the Civil War and the public announcement of freedom delivered in Salem on May 21, 1865. Church leaders formed the congregation the following year, holding services in the cabin of John and Mary Linebach Fries. Historian Spencer McCall says it was the area’s first Black-owned and controlled institution.
How should Greensboro expand its housing supply?
A group of land use experts recently shared their recommendations for expanding Greensboro’s housing supply. Representatives from Urban Land Institute Charlotte spent a week in the Gate City conducting interviews, site visits, and discussions to address the biggest issues when it comes to housing — things like population density, zoning barriers and financing. They presented their findings to city leaders.
How should Greensboro expand its housing supply?
A group of land use experts recently shared their recommendations for expanding Greensboro’s housing supply. Representatives from Urban Land Institute Charlotte spent a week in the Gate City conducting interviews, site visits, and discussions to address the biggest issues when it comes to housing — things like population density, zoning barriers and financing. They presented their findings to city leaders.
Triad chaplain recounts the weeks following the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon
Today is the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Roughly half an hour after the second World Trade Center tower was attacked, American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon. Two days later, High Point native and military chaplainBob Shackleford was sent to Washington, D.C., to help. Shackleford had just gotten out of a meeting at Randolph Community College, where he was serving as Dean of Student Services,when he noticed a large gathering in front of a TV.
Reynolds unveils its giant 150th-anniversary mural
An enormous mural in honor of the 150th anniversary of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company is complete. The official unveiling took place Tuesday afternoon in Winston-Salem. The mural on a corrugated industrial wall stretches across two football field lengths along Reynolds Boulevard, covering more than 55,000 square feet. The project took some 14 months to complete, and the art itself traces the evolution of Reynolds and the city it helped grow.
New report chronicles western North Carolina's post-Helene outdoor economy
A new research studyshows western North Carolina tourism is improving two years after Hurricane Helene. The report by the North Carolina Rural Center shows that following Helene, total visitor spending in the state’s 16 most-impacted counties dropped by more than $300 million. That spending supports a lot of jobs as well — the region lost several thousand between 2023 and 2025. But according to the report, those losses have slowed.
New report chronicles western North Carolina's post-Helene outdoor economy
A new research studyshows western North Carolina tourism is improving two years after Hurricane Helene. The report by the North Carolina Rural Center shows that following Helene, total visitor spending in the state’s 16 most-impacted counties dropped by more than $300 million. That spending supports a lot of jobs as well — the region lost several thousand between 2023 and 2025. But according to the report, those losses have slowed.
New report chronicles western North Carolina's post-Helene outdoor economy
A new research studyshows western North Carolina tourism is improving two years after Hurricane Helene. The report by the North Carolina Rural Center shows that following Helene, total visitor spending in the state’s 16 most-impacted counties dropped by more than $300 million. That spending supports a lot of jobs as well — the region lost several thousand between 2023 and 2025. But according to the report, those losses have slowed.
New report chronicles western North Carolina's post-Helene outdoor economy
A new research studyshows western North Carolina tourism is improving two years after Hurricane Helene. The report by the North Carolina Rural Center shows that following Helene, total visitor spending in the state’s 16 most-impacted counties dropped by more than $300 million. That spending supports a lot of jobs as well — the region lost several thousand between 2023 and 2025. But according to the report, those losses have slowed.
NC Transportation Museum celebrates the nation's 250th anniversary this weekend
On Friday, the North Carolina Transportation Museum is honoring the nation’s 250th anniversary. For three days, the museum in Spencer will showcase more than 30 restored locomotives from across North America. Commemorative equipment from passenger, short-line, historic railroads and more will be on display. The locomotives will be repositioned each day on the museum’s Bob Julian Roundhouse turntable.
NC Transportation Museum celebrates the nation's 250th anniversary this weekend
On Friday, the North Carolina Transportation Museum is honoring the nation’s 250th anniversary. For three days, the museum in Spencer will showcase more than 30 restored locomotives from across North America. Commemorative equipment from passenger, short-line, historic railroads and more will be on display. The locomotives will be repositioned each day on the museum’s Bob Julian Roundhouse turntable.
NC Transportation Museum celebrates the nation's 250th anniversary this weekend
On Friday, the North Carolina Transportation Museum is honoring the nation’s 250th anniversary. For three days, the museum in Spencer will showcase more than 30 restored locomotives from across North America. Commemorative equipment from passenger, short-line, historic railroads and more will be on display. The locomotives will be repositioned each day on the museum’s Bob Julian Roundhouse turntable.
Greensboro Chamber of Commerce hosts 2026 State of Our Community
Roughly 1,000 business and civic leaders attended the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce’s State of Our Community Luncheon Wednesday at the Koury Convention Center. The focus was on research, innovation and the role local universities are playing in the Gate City’s economic growth. During a roundtable discussion, UNCG Chancellor Franklin Gilliam and N.C. A&T Chancellor James Martin shared their visions as well as the challenges that lie ahead.
Federal grant to fund upgrades to North Carolina’s Piedmont passenger rail corridor
The Federal Railroad Administration has awarded a nearly $300 million grant to North Carolina’s Department of Transportation to help improve passenger rail service in the Piedmont. The federal grant supports the Piedmont Corridor Safety Program. It’s focused on modernizing and improving safety and shortening travel times by rail from Raleigh to Charlotte. Greensboro and High Point are among the stops in between.
More 'machine gun' pistols seized in Guilford County
Recent arrests in Guilford County have led to multiple weapons seizures. Among them were pistols converted into machine guns. They’re known as switches — semiautomatic weapons made fully automatic by a small, illegaldevice that attaches to a Glock pistol slide. In April, four switches were seized during a narcotics bust in Greensboro. Earlier this month, two more were recovered in High Point following arrests in connection with a weekend shooting.
NC Folk Festival pays tribute to beloved Greensboro musician and community builder Matty Sheets
This year, the North Carolina Folk Festival will continue a tradition honoring a beloved local musician. Matty Sheets was a talented storyteller, musician, artist and songwriter. The longtime Greensboro resident was also a major community-building force. Over 15 years, he hosted open mics at venues across the city he loved. Good friend and North Carolina Folk Festival Artistic Director Savannah Thorne says those events helped form more than 70 different bands.
State responds to hundreds of potential non-U.S. citizens on North Carolina's voter rolls
The State Board of Elections is responding to a federal announcement about hundreds of potential non-U.S. citizens on North Carolina’s voter rolls. The Department of Homeland Security recently released information indicating that the total was 1,599. There are about 7.8 million registered voters in the state. In a statement, State Board of Elections officials vowed to follow all applicable laws to ensure each registrant receives due process before initiating any removal proceeding.
The alleged sexual assault at Tanglewood Park did not take place there
Forsyth County Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough revealed that last month’s alleged sexual assault at Tanglewood Park did not take place there. The June 30 incident involving a female jogger that allegedly took place on a hiking trail near the dog park led to a massive manhunt. But location data later retrieved from the alleged victim’s phone contradicted her initial testimony. She later confirmed as much during an interview with investigators.
Forsyth Strong coalition is one month in
One month after launching the new community-building organization, Forsyth Strong, team leaders are working to meet their wide-ranging goals for the county. Improved housing, education and mental health care were among the many issues addressed at the group’s inaugural meeting. Each came with specific targets, action plans, and commitments from the civic leaders in attendance.
Greensboro Mayor delivers State of the City address
Greensboro Mayor Marikay Abuzuaiter celebrated a series of economic and sports wins during this week’s State of the City address. She also shared a 10-year vision for the Gate City. After thanking councilmembers, Abuzuaiter began by touting recent sports tourism successes: a professional women’s basketball team, Big 12 swimming championships at the Aqua Center, the Norwegian men's national soccer team’s residency and the Men’s ACC Basketball Tournament will return to Greensboro in 2027.
NC Forest Service warns of increased fire danger
The North Carolina Forest Service is warning of elevated wildfire risk throughout much of the state, including the Piedmont and High Country. Recent forecasts of high temperatures and less moisture in the air contributed to the new warning. Add plenty of fuel like dry grass and brush on the ground and gusty winds, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for fire to ignite and spread rapidly.
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